Norway is the happiest country in the world, claims the UN annual report

Surprisingly, the UK cracked the top 20 for the very first time.

Norway has nabbed the top spot on the United Nations' annual World Happiness report, replacing neighbour Denmark who held the position last year. Also making the very Scandinavian top 5 are Iceland and Finland, with Switzerland being the odd one out by occupying fourth place.

Surprisingly, the UK made the top 20 for the very first time since the report was first produced in 2012, climbing a full four positions since last year. Ireland, the United States, Germany, Belgium, and the Luxembourg also occupy high positions, all above the UK. France, however, didn't even manage to break into the top 30, which makes it one of the saddest Western European countries (31st).

On the other side of the spectrum, we see the last places being occupied by the Central African Republic, Burundi, Tanzania, and Syria. The report being based on six main issues related to personal and social needs - income, life expectancy, social support, generosity, freedom, and trust - it's not surprising that most countries in the bottom positions are located in the African continent. Ukraine also appears among them, emerging as the odd one out -- something that can be easily explained by their ongoing conflict with Russia due to the occupation of Crimea.